The Oyo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime with the arrest of a suspected armed robbery syndicate and the recovery of stolen items valued at about ₦100 million.
According to a release by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the operation was carried out in Ibadan following weeks of surveillance based on credible intelligence. Police operatives stormed a hideout around the Genesis Hotel area in Challenge, where they apprehended 10 suspects believed to be members of a notorious interstate criminal gang.
The suspects—identified as Mukaila Omorayo (48), Adekanbi Adesola (39), Ahmed Oderinlo (38), Samuel Omoseyin (53), Ramon Saheed (52), Monilola Ajayi (58), Akanbi Bisi (51), Wasilat Abdullahi (48), Bolaji Tanimola (51), and Adeola Oyesina (51)—are alleged to have specialized in hijacking containers at gunpoint and diverting high-value goods.
Police said a large cache of stolen items was recovered during the raid. The exhibits include 40 air conditioners, 10 washing machines, an electric motorcycle, various creams, seven cutting machines, 15 packs of LED lights, 25 packs of furniture gum, trailer spare parts, wigs, hair relaxers, chin chin, and other household and industrial materials.
Authorities estimate the total value of the recovered items at ₦100 million.
The suspects have reportedly confessed to their roles in the criminal operations and are assisting investigators in tracking down other members of the syndicate who remain at large.
The Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the operatives for their professionalism and persistence, noting that the success of the operation highlights the importance of community cooperation. He also urged residents to continue providing useful information to support crime prevention efforts.
CP Olugbenga further called on hotel operators to be vigilant and report suspicious activities, noting that investigations revealed criminals often use hotels as operational bases. Management of the hotel linked to the case has been invited for questioning.
The Commissioner also acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for strengthening operational effectiveness nationwide.
The police confirmed that the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Residents have been advised to remain alert and report suspicious activities to security agencies through designated emergency lines.
